Scores of protesters in Haiti, angered by a dysfunctional election, have commemorated Haiti’s Independence Day by burning tyres and demanding that President Rene Preval be arrested.
The demonstrators blocked roads and filled streets with garbage in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Saturday before police dispersed them.
In the northern coastal city of Gonaives, Preval urged national unity and patience in a speech interrupted by protesters who demanded he step down.
The Organisation of American States has asked Preval to delay announcing election results until an international panel of experts can review the vote in an election marred by violence, fraud and low turnout.
There were riots in the country after the November 28 first round showed ruling-party candidate Jude Celestin eliminated carnival singer Michel ‘Sweet Micky’ Martelly by less than one per cent. Former first lady Mirlande Manigat came in first.
Haiti obtained its independence from France on January 1, 1804.
